GIANTS too strong for Saints

15/04/2024

Saints go down to a well-rounded GWS Giants outfit by 62 points.

Photography by Anthony Vella

Travelling north for our sole interstate trip, the Southern Saints took on an in-form GWS GIANTS team in what was a pristine day in Sydney, ultimately falling short by 62 points.

From the outset our backline was put under immense pressure, with the GIANTS seizing an early initiative they wouldn’t relent for the duration of the match. Responding to the first-quarter blitz, we came out with a reinvigorated determination in the second and managed successive inside 50s to note our first score. Unfortunately, this period would be short-lived, with GWS stepping up their contested work and ability to effectively transition the ball from the back half, keeping the game out of reach.

Georgia Foran was our highest-rated player for the day. Strong overhead, the intercept defender read the ball well and launched several re-bound 50’s, overall accumulating 15 disposals, 14 kicks, and six marks.

Abbey Tregellis was again instrumental in the centre, winning four clearances to go along with a team-high 18 disposals and 7 kicks. While Co-Captain Ali Hynes continued to apply pressure on the ball, inspirationally leading the team with 9 tackles.

Maddison Torpey faced significant challenges from her opposing number throughout the day, nevertheless, bringing her trademark ferocity and ability to win her tap downs to finish with a total of 21 hit outs, 3 clearances, and 9 disposals.

Flik Crank in her debut match displayed no signs of nerves, the former Dandenong Stingrays Captain showcasing her strong contested ability, and preparedness to take on the corridor.

Ultimately, this was a congested game dominated by stoppages, with the GIANTS proving too strong in the final analysis. We were unable to put into effect our trademark clearance game (32-26), and our defensive unit sustained significant pressure as we conceded 49 inside 50’s. However, our resolve never wavered, as the team laid 82 tackles in total to ensure the hosts at no time had it easy.

GWS Giants:           3.4       4.7       6.8       9.10       (64)

Southern Saints:   0.0       0.1       0.1       0.2         (2)        

Next Game: V Essendon @ NEC Hangar on Saturday 20^th April at 2:30pm. Watch via the AFL website or AFL/VFL apps.

Written by Digby Verlander - Sandringham FC Media